Imagine a city hub. That’s what The Americana at Brand intends to be. It features a mix of architectural styles and vast open spaces. Welcome to The Americana at Brand in Glendale. This lifestyle center spans 15.5 acres. It occupies four city blocks.
The Americana at Brand is the brainchild of Rick J. Caruso. His company, Caruso Affiliated, developed it. The Americana at Brand is named for Leslie Coombs Brand. He was a real estate developer in Glendale.
The Americana at Brand opened in May 2008. It cost over $400 million to build. The Americana at Brand has 82 stores. There are 100 condos and 242 luxury apartments here.
The architecture reflects brick factory facades. These are from the industrial era. The Americana at Brand also features a massive elevator shaft. It has exposed steel beams. The Grove is reminiscent of 1930s Los Angeles. Both appear to be public spaces. They are private property.
The Americana project stirred debate for four years. Some merchants feared the Grove-style center. They thought it would diminish business. Concerns arose about overdevelopment and traffic.
The Americana at Brand has a two-acre park. It is in the center of the complex. The park is public. A private security force patrols the property. They prevent unauthorized professional photography. Dogs are welcome. Pit bulls are restricted. Each store decides its own pet policy.
The Americana at Brand boasts an animated fountain. It is called Waters of Americana. The fountain performs every hour. A non-musical program runs between shows. A gold-leaf statue rises from the fountain’s pool. It is a replica of Donald De Lue’s Spirit of American Youth sculpture. The statue also serves as the icon for The Americana at Brand.
An internal transit system uses a trolley car. It shuttles visitors around the complex. The trolley line has operated since the opening in 2008. George F. McGinnis, a retired Disney Imagineer, designed the trolley cars.
During the holiday season, fake snow falls. It is produced periodically every evening. A Christmas tree is displayed in mid-November. It is lit every evening. The tree is often one of the tallest in Los Angeles County.
The Americana at Brand engages Brand Boulevard. Its buildings open up storefronts. There is sidewalk dining and residential windows. Balconies are also visible. The Brand frontage is split into three buildings.
The Americana at Brand pioneered mixed-use urban residential. It inspired a building boom. Over 3,000 new residential units were added to the area.
So, as you stroll through The Americana at Brand, remember its history. It evolved into a vibrant center. It blends retail, residential, and public spaces. It is a testament to Glendale’s dynamic spirit.